Two-piece wedge diverter gate

ABSTRACT

A diverter gate generally includes a bracket which connects to an actuator and a flag which releasably engages with the bracket via cooperating engagement members. The cooperating engagement members may be symmetrical, and may comprise one or more tabs and one or more corresponding receptacles. The tabs may be dimensioned slightly larger than the receptacles so as to create a positive interference fit. The bracket and the flag may include openings to receive a fastener extending substantially across the length of the gate. Tightening the fastener compresses the tab(s) against the receptacle(s) to result in a compression fit between the flag and the bracket. The two-piece design allows the flag to be easily removed and reversed or replaced, without disassembling or removing the bracket or the actuator.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/853,587, filed Sep. 11, 2007, entitled “TWO-PIECE WEDGE DIVERTERGATE”, which is incorporated by reference by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Development

This application relates to a diverter gate for sorting items. Moreparticularly, this application relates to a two-piece diverter gatehaving an independently replaceable wear portion.

2. Description of the Related Art

During processing of cargo items, paper items, and bulk solids, itemsare conveyed along a conveyor system. The items are sorted usingdiverter gates which are situated along the conveyor system. Thediverter gates are typically solenoid-actuated, one-piece gates. When agate becomes worn, the entire gate and solenoid assembly must be removedand replaced.

Two-piece diverter gates exist which comprise a solenoid assemblyportion and a diverter portion. The diverter portion may be removed andreplaced independently of the solenoid assembly portion. These gatesemploy a dovetail design to join the solenoid assembly portion with thediverter portion. Due at least in part to the clearance fit of thedovetail design, these gates have the intrinsic potential for thediverter portion to loosen from the solenoid assembly portion duringuse. These gates also employ short screw fasteners which also allow thediverter portion to loosen from the solenoid assembly portion duringuse.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a diverter gate comprising a bracketand a flag is described. The bracket is configured to pivot about apivot axis in response to actuation by an actuator and is configured toconnect to the actuator. The bracket has a top end and a bottom end. Theflag has a forward surface and a rear surface, the forward surface beingconfigured to divert items traveling along a flow path from the flowpath. The flag is configured to releasably engage with the bracket viaat least a first cooperating engagement member and a second cooperatingengagement member, the first and second cooperating engagement membersbeing configured to engage with each other in a positive interferencefit. The flag may pivot with the bracket about the pivot axis when thebracket is actuated by the actuator, and may be removed from the bracketwithout disconnecting the bracket from the actuator. In one aspect ofthe embodiment, the first cooperating engagement member is disposed onthe bracket and the second cooperating engagement member is disposed onthe flag. In another aspect of the embodiment, first cooperating membercomprises a plurality of tabs. In the previous aspect, the secondcooperating member comprises a plurality of receptacles configured toreceive the tabs, at least one dimension of each receptacle being sizedslightly smaller than a corresponding dimension of a corresponding tab.In such an aspect, the tab may be wedge-shaped. In another aspect, thetab may comprise a first sloped surface. In such an aspect, thereceptacle may comprise a second sloped surface configured to mate withfirst sloped surface of the tab. In a further aspect, the bracket isprovided with a top opening disposed at the top end of the bracket and abottom opening disposed at the bottom end of the bracket, the topopening and the bottom opening being aligned and configured to receive afastener passed therethrough, the fastener being configured to extendfrom at least the top end of the bracket to at least the bottom end ofthe bracket. In such an aspect, the flag may be provided with at leastone flag opening configured to align with the top opening and the bottomopening of the bracket when the flag and the bracket are engaged.Additionally or in the alternative, the top opening may be provided in atop tab disposed at the top end of the bracket and the bottom openingmay be provided in a bottom tab disposed at the bottom end of thebracket, the top tab and the bottom tab together comprising the firstcooperating engagement member. In such an aspect, the second cooperatingengagement member may comprise two receptacles disposed on the flag andconfigured to receive each of the top tab and the bottom tab in apositive interference fit, each receptacle being provided with a flagopening, the flag openings configured to align with the top opening andthe bottom opening when the flag and the bracket are engaged so as toreceive a fastener passed through the top opening, the flag openings,and the bottom opening. In the previous aspect, the top tab may comprisea downwardly-sloped face and the bottom tab may comprise anupwardly-sloped face, the downwardly-sloped face and the upwardly-slopedface being configured to apply compression to the flag when the fasteneris tightened. In any of these aspects, the gate may further comprise astiffening member configured to resist compressive forces in the flagwhen the fastener is tightened. The stiffening member may be alignedwith the top opening and the bottom opening of the bracket when the flagand the bracket are engaged.

In accordance with another embodiment, a diverter gate for divertingitems from a flow path is described. The diverter gate comprises abracket having a top mount and a bottom mount configured to connect toand support an actuator, each of the top and bottom mounts comprising afirst cooperating engagement member. The diverter gate further comprisesa flag having a forward surface, a rear surface, a first end, and asecond end, the forward surface being configured to generally face theflow path, each of the first and second ends comprising a secondcooperating engagement member, wherein each of the first cooperatingengagement members are configured to releasably and interchangeablyengage with either of the second cooperating engagement members in apositive interference fit, wherein the flag may be removed from thebracket without disconnecting the bracket from the actuator, and furtherwherein the flag may be converted from a left-handed gate to aright-handed gate without disconnecting the bracket from the actuator.In one aspect of the embodiment, each of the first cooperatingengagement members comprises a tab. In such an aspect, each of thesecond cooperating engagement members may comprise a receptacle, thereceptacle having at least one dimension which is slightly smaller thana corresponding dimension of the tab. In any of these aspects, the gatemay further comprise an elongated fastener, the top mount may have a topopening, the bottom mount may have a bottom opening, and the flag mayhave at least one flag opening. The fastener may be configured to passthrough the top opening, the flag opening, and the bottom opening suchthat the fastener when inserted extends substantially across the lengthof the bracket. In the previous aspect, the gate may further comprise astiffening member disposed in line with the top opening, the flagopening, and the bottom opening when the bracket is engaged with theflag, the stiffening member being configured to resist compressiveforces in the flag when the fastener is tightened.

In a further embodiment, a diverter gate is described comprising meansfor diverting items traveling along a flow path, means for supportingthe diverting means, the supporting means being configured to connect toan actuator, and means for reversibly securing the diverting means tothe supporting means, the securing means being configured to allowremoval of the diverting means from the supporting means withoutdisconnecting the supporting means from the actuator. In one aspect ofthe embodiment, the securing means comprises a first cooperatingengagement member and a second cooperating engagement member. In such anaspect, the first cooperating engagement member and the secondcooperating engagement member are configured to engage with each otherin a positive interference fit. In such an aspect, the first cooperatingengagement member may be disposed on the diverting means and the secondcooperating engagement member may disposed on the supporting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a novel two-piecediverter gate shown assembled and connected to a solenoid actuator.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diverter gate of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is an end view of the bottom end of the flag shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is a side elevation of the flag shown in FIG. 2, showing thesecond surfaces of the flag.

FIG. 3C is an end view of the top end of the flag shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3D is a partial section view of the flag taken along line 3D-3D ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is a section view of the flag taken along line 3E-3E of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3F is another section view of the flag taken along line 3F-3F ofFIG. 3B.

FIG. 3G is a rear view of the flag of FIG. 2 showing the bracket-facingportion of the flag.

FIG. 4A is an end view of the bottom end of the bracket shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 2 showing the flag-facingportion of the bracket.

FIG. 4C is a rear view of the bracket of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4D is a side elevation of the bracket of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4E is an end view of the top end of the bracket of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4F is a section view of the bracket of FIG. 2, taken along line4F-4F of FIG. 4D.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a fastener adapted for use with the embodimentof FIG. 2.

FIG. 5B is a side view of an alternative fastener adapted for use withthe embodiment of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The features, aspects and advantages of the present development will nowbe described with reference to the drawings of several embodiments,which are intended to be within the scope of the invention hereindisclosed. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following detailed description of theembodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention notbeing limited to any particular embodiment(s) herein disclosed.

A Basic Device

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a two-piece diverter gate 100 according toan embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the gate 100generally includes a flag 10 and a bracket 20. The flag 10 and thebracket 20 may be fastened together with a fastener 30, as well as viainterengaging structure on the flag 10 and the bracket 20, which will bedescribed in further detail below. The bracket 20 may support anactuator 40, such as a solenoid actuator. In its unactuated state, thegate 100 may rest behind a conveyor belt (not shown) and may pointgenerally opposite the direction of the flow path (indicated by arrow50) of the conveyor belt. Thus, in its unactuated state, the gate 100does not obstruct the flow path 50. When the actuator 40 is actuated,the gate 100 may pivot about a pivot axis 22 of the bracket 20 (e.g.,counter-clockwise, in FIG. 1) so that at least a portion of the flag 10extends into the flow path 50. Actuation of the gate 100 may thus serveto direct items traveling along the flow path 50 away from the flow path50.

Flag

With reference now to FIG. 2, the flag 10 will be described in furtherdetail. The flag 10 may comprise two fingers 102 connected by a web 104.The fingers 102 may be spaced apart so as to allow the fingers 102 topass above and below the conveyor belt when the gate 100 is actuated.Each finger 102 of the flag 10 may comprise one or more first surfaces106 and one or more second surfaces 108, disposed at an angle towardeach other and meeting together at tips 110. The tips 110 may berounded, as shown in the figure, to create a smooth edge for materialbeing diverted to ride upon. Providing rounded tips 110 also allows foreven wear in the gate 100 without the creation of sharp edges. The firstsurfaces 106 may be configured to face an oncoming flow of items and todirect selected items away from the flow path 50 (see FIG. 1) when thegate 100 is actuated. To achieve this function, the first surfaces 106may have a somewhat convex shape. The second surfaces 108, on the otherhand, may be essentially planar. The top and bottom ends of the fingers102 may also include sloped faces 112 configured to allow the gate 100to clear any nearby machinery or structure during operation. The edgesof the surfaces 106, 108, and 112 may also be rounded to create asmoother ride for the material being conveyed and to allow for evenwear.

The web 104 may comprise a first face 114 (not visible in FIG. 2, butfacing the same general direction as the first surfaces 106 of thefingers 102) and a second face 116 (facing the same general direction asthe second surfaces 108 of the fingers 102). The faces 114, 116 may bedisposed at an angle toward each other and may meet at a ridge 118. Eachof the faces 114, 116 may be inclined at a greater angle with respect toone another than are the corresponding surfaces 106, 108. The faces 114,116 may thus be recessed from the surfaces 106, 108, as shown in FIG. 2.Furthermore, the first face 114 may be inclined at a more gradual anglethan the second face 116, so that the ridge 118 is offset from thecenter of the flag 10 toward the second surfaces 108. Such aconfiguration may allow the tips 110 of the fingers 102 to extend intothe flow path 50 when the gate 100 is actuated, while the web 104remains behind the conveyor belt. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear edges ofthe faces 114, 116 may be scalloped or otherwise cut away in order toreduce weight and to allow the web 104 to clear the solenoid 40 when thegate 100 is actuated.

The flag 10 may also be provided at its top and bottom ends with one ormore cutouts 117, 118, which will be described in further detail belowin connection with FIGS. 3A-3B. The flag 10 may further include one ormore holes 120 running between the top end of the flag 10 to the bottomend of the flag 10. Where more than one hole 120 is provided, the holes120 may be aligned with each other so that the fastener 30 may passthrough the flag 10 in either direction to assemble a right- orleft-handed gate. The holes 120 may be disposed in the cutouts 117, asshown in FIG. 2, and/or may extend behind the web 104 along part or allof the web's length. Additionally, the flag 10 may include one or moreabutment surfaces 122, disposed at or near the rear-facing portion ofthe flag 10, which are designed to cooperate with correspondingstructure on the bracket 20 to resist buckling in the flag 10 when thefastener 30 is tightened.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows the cutouts 117 disposed onthe flag 10 and the tabs 206 disposed on the bracket 20, it will beappreciated that this configuration may be reversed; that is, tabs mayinstead be disposed on the flag 10 and the bracket 20 may be providedwith corresponding cutouts. In addition, although illustrated with thecutouts 117 disposed on either end of the flag 10, the cutouts mayalternatively be disposed anywhere on the flag 10 consistent with theirintended use, such as the rear-facing side of the flag 10 for example.Additionally or alternatively, the flag 10 and the bracket 20 may beprovided with any other interengaging structure configured to provide apositive interference and/or compression fit between the flag 10 and thebracket 20.

The fingers 102 and the web 104 may comprise separate parts, or may beintegrally formed. The flag 10 may be formed from any suitablelightweight material, such as injection-molded plastic.

Bracket

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the bracket 20 will now be describedin further detail. The bracket 20 generally includes mounts 202(a),202(b) connected by a strap 204. The mounts 202(a), 202(b) may beconfigured to connect to and support the solenoid 40 (see FIG. 1). Thestrap 204 may be thin and semi-flexible, allowing the mounts 202(a),202(b) to spread apart slightly to aid installation of the solenoid 40in the bracket 20. Although not shown, the strap 204 may also have agroove or slot cut in the center to allow clearing of any build-up whichmay occur between the strap 204 and the solenoid 40.

The top mount 202(a) may include (or may be connected to) a top tab206(a) extending toward the flag 10. Similarly, the bottom mount 202(b)may include (or may be connected to) a bottom tab 206(b), which may alsoextend toward the flag 10. The tabs 206(a), 206(b) be configured toengage with either of the cutouts 117 on the flag 10. Each tab 206 mayhave a generally rectangular compound-wedge shape including, forexample, sloped surfaces 207 on its sides and a flat area 208 and asloped area 210 on its inner surface. Of course, the tabs 206 may haveany other shape and configuration suitable for their intended purpose.Each tab 206 may further be provided with a hole 212 configured toreceive the fastener 30. The holes 212 may be configured to align withthe hole or holes 120 in the flag 10 when the flag 10 and the bracket 20are engaged. The hole 212(a) provided in the top tab 206(a) may becountersunk to receive a tapered screwhead (see FIGS. 5A, 5B). Althoughnot shown, the bottom hole 212(b) may be threaded, or may be providedwith a threaded plastic or metal insert, to allow for tightening of thefastener 30 in the assembled gate 100, thus providing a compression fitbetween the flag 10 and the bracket 20 and reducing the potential forloosening to occur during operation of the gate 100. The mounts 202 andthe strap 204 may comprise separate parts, or may be integrally formed.The bracket 20 may be formed from any suitable lightweight material,such as injection-molded plastic.

Further Detail

With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3G, certain aspects of the flag 10 willnow be described in further detail. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, thecutouts 117 on either end of the flag 10 may be configured symmetricallyabout an plane 124 extending through the tips 110. By such aconfiguration, the cutouts 117 are able to accept either of the tabs206(a), 206(b) on the bracket 20. Providing interchangeable andsymmetrical cutouts 117 and tabs 206 allows the flag 10 to be installedwith the first surfaces 106 facing and making first contact with itemscoming from either side of the gate 100. The flag 10 may thus be easilyremoved, repositioned, and reinstalled on the bracket 20, allowing anoperator to reverse the direction of the gate 100 without removing orrepositioning the bracket 20 or the solenoid 40.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, each cutout 117 may includespecially-shaped areas configured to mate with corresponding areas onthe tabs 206. In embodiments comprising the compound wedge shaped tabs206, for example, the cutouts 117 may include flat areas 126 and slopedareas 128 configured to accept the correspondingly-shaped areas 208, 210on the tabs 206 (see FIG. 2). The cutouts may also have sloped sides 130configured to accommodate the sloped sides 207 of the tabs 206. Thecorresponding flat and sloped areas on the flag 10 and the bracket 20may act to pull the tabs 206 into proper registry with the cutouts 117when the fastener 30 is tightened. The cutouts 117 may also bedimensioned slightly smaller than the tabs 206 on the bracket 20 toallow the flag 10 and the bracket 20 to snap together in a positiveinterference fit. Such a configuration helps to ensure precisionalignment and a secure snap fit between the flag 10 and the bracket 20when the gate 100 is assembled, thereby limiting the risk that the flag10 will loosen from the bracket 20 during operation of the gate 100. Inaddition, the interaction of the tabs 206 and the cutouts 117 may allowthe installer to feel and hear when the flag 10 is properly engaged withthe bracket 20. Of course, numerous other configurations for the cutouts117 are possible, for example comprising any combination of flat,curved, stepped, and/or sloped areas.

The flag 10 may also be provided at either end with the additionalcutouts 118. Together, the cutouts 117 and 118 serve to reduce theweight of the flag 10, advantageously decreasing the response time ofthe fully assembled gate 100 as it is directed to pivot by the solenoid40. The cutouts 118 may be shallower than the cutouts 117, so as toavoid compromising the structural integrity of the flag 10. The cutouts118 may extend across the ends of the flag 10 from the rear of the flag10 to the sloped faces 112, as shown in FIG. 3A. The cutouts 118 may ofcourse have any other configuration consistent with their intendedpurpose. The flag 10 may also comprise one or more abutment surfaces122, disposed at or near the rear of each finger 102. The abutmentsurfaces 122 may be configured to abut the mounts 202 on the bracket 20and resist compression across the flag 10 when the fastener 30 istightened (see FIG. 1).

Referring now to FIG. 3C, a side view of the flag 10 is shown,illustrating the sloped faces 112 and the scalloped rear edge of the web104. As best seen in FIGS. 3D-3G, the flag 10 may also include astiffening member 130 configured to provide support for the holes 120and to reinforce the flag 10 across the web 104, particularly when thefastener 30 is tightened and compresses the tabs 206 onto the cutouts117 of the flag 10. The stiffening member 130 may extend across the rearof the flag 10 from one finger 102 to the other. The stiffening member130 may be disposed directly in line with the hole or holes 120 in theflag 10, and may define the hole or holes 120 in one or more regions ofthe flag 10. As best shown in FIG. 3E, in the region of the fingers 102,the stiffening member 130 may extend from the tips of the fingers 102 tothe cutouts 117 to include the hole or holes 120. As can be seen in FIG.3F, in the region of the web 104, the stiffening member 130 may extendfrom the first face 114 of the web 104. To minimize weight, thestiffening member 130 may have a width only slightly greater than thediameter of the hole or holes 120. The stiffening member 130 may furtherbe partially or entirely cut away in the region of the web 104 (see FIG.3D). The stiffening member may of course have any other configurationproviding adequate reinforcement across the length of the flag 10 toresist any compression that may occur due to engagement of the tabs 206with the cutouts 117 and/or due to tightening of the fastener 30.

FIGS. 4A-4F further illustrate the configuration of the bracket 20described above. FIGS. 4A and 4E, for example, illustrate thesymmetrical configuration of the tabs 206. In addition, FIG. 4D showsthat the strap 204 connecting the tabs 202(a), 202(b) may be connectedto the tabs 202(a), 202(b) via arms 214 configured to offset the strap104 from the path of the holes 212 so as to allow the fastener 30 topass along the length of the bracket 20.

Fastener

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, screw fasteners 30(a) and 30(b) areillustrated which are adapted for use with various embodiments. Thefasteners 30(a), 30(b) may be designed to pass through the gate 100,from one hole 212 on the bracket 20, through the hole or holes 120 onthe flag 10, and through the other hole 212 on the bracket 20. Thefasteners 30(a), 30(b) may have threaded ends configured to engage withthreads (or a threaded insert) provided in one or both of the holes 212,allowing the fasteners 30(a), 30(b) to tighten the engagement of theflag 10 with the bracket 20. The thumb screw 30(a) may be used inapplications where an ability to hand-tighten the gate 100 is desirable.Alternatively, the flathead screw 30(b) may be used in applicationswhere the gate 100 requires more clearance.

The fasteners 30(a), 30(b) may be formed from any material consistentwith their intended use. For example, the fasteners 30(a), 30(b) maycomprise a light yet durable metal such as titanium.

Assembly

To assemble the gate 100, the cutouts 117 on the flag 10 may be alignedwith the tabs 206 on the bracket 20, and the flag 10 may be pressedagainst the bracket 20 to snap the flag 10 into place. The positiveinterference fit of the tabs 206 in the cutouts 117, in combination withthe interaction between the correspondingly-shaped areas 126, 128 on theflag 10 and 208, 210 on the bracket 20 help to ensure proper registry ofthe flag 10 with the bracket 20. An installer may both hear and feelwhen the tabs 206 are engaged with the cutouts 117. Next, the fastener30 may be inserted into the top hole 212(a) in the bracket 20, throughthe hole or holes 120 in the flag 10, and into the bottom hole 212(b) inthe bracket 20. The fastener 30 may then be tightened to compress thetabs 206 against the cutouts 117. Tightening the fastener 30 may act topull the tabs 206 into precise alignment with the cutouts 117, ensuringthat the flag 10 and bracket 20 are fully engaged so that the gate 100will pivot as one unit. The stiffening member 130 and the abutmentsurfaces 122 on the flag 10 serve to resist compression or buckling ofthe flag 10 when the fastener 30 is tightened.

To change the direction of the gate 100, or to replace a worn flag, thefastener 30 may be removed and the flag 10 separated from the bracket20. The flag 10 may then be reversed (or replaced) and reattached to thebracket 20 in the manner described above, without removing or replacingthe entire solenoid assembly. Embodiments may thus provide a gate 100which can be converted from a right- to a left-handed diverter gate (orvice versa) without changing the specifications, material or design ofthe gate 100 and without removing the bracket 20 or the solenoid 40.Accordingly, embodiments reduce operational downtime, repair time, andlimit the possibility of damage occurring during replacement of wornparts.

Although illustrated within the context of a side-to-side diverter gate,embodiments of the present invention may also be used in otherapplications, such as a vertical feed diverter gate, for which easyreversal of the gate direction and/or simple replacement of only a wearportion of the gate is desirable. It will be understood by those ofskill in the art that numerous and various modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore,it should be clearly understood that the forms of the inventiondescribed herein are illustrative only and are not intended to limit thescope of the invention.

1. A diverter gate comprising: means for diverting items traveling alonga flow path; means for supporting the diverting means, the supportingmeans being configured to connect town actuator; and means forreversibly securing the diverting means to the supporting means, thesecuring means being configured to allow removal of the diverting meansfrom the supporting means without disconnecting the supporting meansfrom the actuator.
 2. The diverter gate of claim 1, wherein the securingmeans comprises a first cooperating engagement member and a secondcooperating engagement member.
 3. The diverter gate of claim 2, whereinthe first cooperating engagement member and the second cooperatingengagement member are configured to engage with each other in a positiveinterference fit.
 4. The diverter gate of claim 2, wherein the firstcooperating engagement member is disposed on the diverting means and thesecond cooperating engagement member is disposed on the supportingmeans.
 5. A diverter gate comprising: a bracket configured to pivotabout a pivot axis in response to actuation by an actuator, the bracketbeing configured to connect to the actuator, the bracket having a topend and a bottom end; and a flag having a forward surface and a rearsurface, the forward surface being configured to divert items travelingalong a flow path from the flow path, the flag being configured toreleasably engage with the bracket via at least first and secondcooperating engagement members located on different portions of theflag, third and fourth cooperating engagement members, respectfully,located on different portions of the bracket, the first and secondcooperating engagement members being configured to engage, with thethird and fourth cooperating engagement members so as to be securedtogether, wherein the flag may pivot with the bracket about the pivotaxis when the bracket is actuated by the actuator, and further whereinthe flag may be removed from the bracket without disconnecting thebracket from the actuator.
 6. The diverter gate of claim 5, wherein thefirst and second cooperating members comprise a plurality of tabs. 7.The diverter gate of claim 6, wherein the third and fourth cooperatingmembers comprise a plurality of receptacles configured to receive thetabs, at least one dimension of each receptacle being sized slightlysmaller than a corresponding dimension of a corresponding tab.
 8. Thediverter gate of claim 7, wherein the tab is wedge-shaped.
 9. Thediverter gate of claim 7, wherein the tab comprises a first slopedsurface.
 10. The diverter gate of claim 9, wherein the receptaclecomprises a second sloped surface configured to mate with first slopedsurface of the tab.
 11. The diverter gate of claim 5, wherein thebracket is provided with a top opening disposed at the top end of thebracket and a bottom opening disposed at the bottom end of the bracket,the top opening and the bottom opening being aligned and configured toreceive a fastener passed therethrough, the fastener being configured toextend from at least the top end of the bracket to at least the bottomend of the bracket.
 12. The diverter gate of claim 11, wherein the flagis provided with at least one flag opening, the at least one flagopening being configured to align with the top opening and the bottomopening of the bracket when the flag and the bracket are engaged. 13.The diverter gate of claim 11, wherein the top opening is provided in atop tab disposed at the top end of the bracket and the bottom opening isprovided in a bottom tab disposed at the bottom end of the bracket, thetop tab and the bottom tab together comprising the first cooperatingengagement member.
 14. The diverter gate of claim 13, wherein the secondcooperating engagement member comprises two receptacles disposed on theflag and configured to receive each of the top tab and the bottom tab ina positive interference fit, each receptacle being provided with a flagopening, the flag openings configured to align with the top opening andthe bottom opening when the flag and the bracket are engaged so as toreceive a fastener passed through the top opening, the flag openings,and the bottom opening.
 15. The diverter gate of claim 14, wherein thetop tab comprises a downwardly-sloped face and the bottom tab comprisesan upwardly-sloped face, the downwardly-sloped face and theupwardly-sloped face being configured to apply compression to the flagwhen the fastener is tightened.
 16. The diverter gate of claim 15,further comprising a stiffening member configured to resist compressiveforces in the flag when the fastener is tightened.
 17. The diverter gateof claim 16, wherein the stiffening member is aligned with the topopening and the bottom opening of the bracket when the flag and thebracket are engaged.
 18. A diverter gate for diverting items from a flowpath, the diverter gate comprising: a bracket having a top mount and abottom mount configured to connect to and support an actuator, each ofthe top and bottom mounts comprising a first cooperating engagementmember; a flag having a forward surface, a rear surface, a first end,and a second end, the forward surface being configured to generally facethe flow path, each of the first and second ends comprising a secondcooperating engagement member, wherein each of the first cooperatingengagement members are configured to releasably and interchangeablyengage and be secured to either of the second cooperating engagementmembers, wherein the flag may be removed from the bracket withoutdisconnecting the bracket from the actuator, and further wherein theflag may be converted from a left-handed gate to a right-handed gatewithout disconnecting the bracket from the actuator.
 19. The divertergate of claim 18 wherein each of the first cooperating engagementmembers comprises a tab.
 20. The diverter gate of claim 19, wherein eachof the second cooperating engagement members comprises a receptacle, thereceptacle having at least one dimension which is slightly smaller thana corresponding dimension of the tab.
 21. The diverter gate of claim 20,further comprising an elongated fastener, the top mount having a topopening, the bottom mount having a bottom opening, and the flag havingat least one flag opening, the fastener being configured to pass throughthe top opening, the flag opening, and the bottom opening such that thefastener when inserted extends substantially across the length of thebracket.
 22. The diverter gate of claim 21, further comprising astiffening member disposed in line with the top opening, the flagopening, and the bottom opening when the bracket is engaged with theflag, the stiffening member being configured to resist compressiveforces in the flag when the fastener is tightened.